Summary

The annual trek to Spa, the greatest of the current Grand Prix circuits, brought a few surprises to the Friday practice times. Gerhard Berger managed to top the times in both sessions, just eclipsing Current World Champion, Michael Schumacher, in the first session. All did not go well for Schumacher, who suffered handling problems after setting his fastest time in the first session. He started slip-sliding on two successive corners before skidding over the sand trap and slamming backwards into the safety tyres. Schumacher walked away, while his car required futher attention. He was unable to compete in the second session, and slipped to 8th overall for the day.

Hill and Villeneuve, the only two drivers who are in contention for the Drivers World Championship, had a lower profile first day with Hill setting the 3rd quickest time in the first session, with Villeneuve back in 11th. The roles were reversed in the afternoon, when Villeneuve managed 3rd with Hill slipping to 7th overall.

Notes

• Many drivers suffered spins, including Panis, Villeneuve and Schumacher
• Villeneuve and Berger reportedly used New Tyres in the afternoon session.
• Schumacher's crash caused his knee to break the steering wheel. No injuries to Schumacher have been reported.

Villeneuve:"Everything went well, It is tough to learn, but the car is pretty good and it is a great track."

Hill:"We have done some good set-up work and I am happy."

Top Ten of the day

1. G.Berger 1m 53.706s
2. D.Coulthard 1m 54.342s
3. J.Villeneuve 1m 54.443s
4. M.Hakkinen 1m 54.754s
5. H.Frentzen 1m 54.984s
6. J.Alesi 1m 55.101s
7. D.Hill 1m 55.281s
8. M.Schumacher 1m 55.333s
9. M.Brundle 1m 55.385s
10. R.Barrichello 1m 55.648s